The DIY bug

If you know me at all...you know I'm not crafty. I can't draw, I can't paint, I can't write imaginative twisting stories. I like to think in the here and now. I like to cut to the chase. My mind is typically in 'go go go' mode without much room for fantasy and whimsy. If you can't tell, I'm pretty type-A and would rather get stuff done quickly, even if it tends to cost me a bit more, than wait and try and do it myself.

When I decided that I wanted to make my guestbook...I kind of shocked myself. I blame Martha. Most, if not all, my blaming for this wedding will be her fault. My guestbook, is Martha's fault...and the idea didn't even *really* come from her.

I've gone through so many ideas for a guestbook. What about a photo booth?

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Totally fabulous. Totally out of my budget...a little over $1000.

What about a faux-to booth?

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This faux-to booth thing could EASILY get out of hand (price wise)

What about the standard photo in a frame and everyone signs the mat?

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I love the idea of everyone signing something like this...I just don't like how common the practice of this is these days.

I thought the idea of a Polaroid instant camera and some sharpies would be great. Have someone take a photo of the guests and then have them put said Polaroid in a book and have the guests sign. Could be so cute and nostalgic! I love the way Polaroids look!

So cute! Problem: Someone would have to be in charge of this...BORING! Another problem: I'd have to buy the camera...and the film...and then do you really think people are going to take only one picture? I think not.

Then I found it...the perfect compromise

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Imagine a collection of Polaroid photos of you and your sweetie in the shape of a heart on a mat to match your wedding colors! Bliss!

Oh yeah, I had mentioned that I don't have a Polaroid camera. Well, I'm sure I can just take photos I have an make them 3x3...that would look close enough. Granted it wouldn't have the effect I want...but whatever. I'd live.

So the search began, I'm sure it will take me 4.8 seconds to find someone to print me 3x3 photos.

Holy cow...no one offers that print size. Hokay...

"Dear facebook friends, how do you all have photos that look like you're using a Polaroid camera?"

"Dear Amelia, do you live under a rock? Go to Poladroid.net and make them for free all day long!"

Seriously people. If you have an affinity to the nostalgic look of a Polaroid, you NEED this. It's so fun! Did you read the free part?

So I did a test run, I sent ten of my photos through the "Polaroid" program and got amazing results like these:

Original Photo


Poladroided


OMG!!!!!!!!

One more...
Original


Poladroided

That's it! I'm sold. They look fantastic!

Now...how to get them on to photo paper...

I popped over to Mpix.com (Thanks Cristina!) and decided to make a few 4x5 prints. I figured the worst that could happen is I'd be out $5 for the prints. Cheap price to pay for peace of mind (especially if it worked out). I ended up purchasing all 10 photos that I had dragged through the program. I requested the photos on metallic paper, figuring that would give the final product a little more edge.

I placed the order and in less than a week, the photos were in my mail box. Perfection! They turned out AMAZINGLY! This project is well on its way.

Can't wait to get back some engagement photos to drag through the program!

Needless to say, this is one DIY project I'm happy I decided to take on. This will definitely put a personal stamp on the wedding.

What DIY projects did you attempt?